My friends were craving steak and had their eyes set on Hamburg Yoshi, a Tokyo-based charcoal-grilled hamburg steak restaurant now in Taguig.
Hamburg Yoshi started in Tokyo’s Omotesando/Harajuku area, where it became known for its long queues and no-nonsense approach to high-quality hamburg steak. After its success in Japan, it expanded to places like Taiwan and eventually opened its Philippine branch in BGC last March 9, 2025. And so, here we are—sharing our experience.
The Concept
Hamburg Yoshi has a simple and straightforward menu. It follows a Teishoku (set meal) style, specializing in Japanese Hamburg Steak (Hambagu).
The experience is inspired by the “Hikiniku to Come” trend in Japan where high-quality ground meat is grilled right in front of you and served immediately at your individual station. The setup is designed to be fast, casual, and solo-diner friendly.
The Experience
When we arrived, there was already a queue. We waited around 10–15 minutes, during which the staff handed us the menu so we could pre-order.
Once seated, we were placed at an open-kitchen counter layout. Even the paper placemat served as an introduction to the experience, guiding you on how to enjoy your meal.
Also read: Burnt Bean, BGC
Introduction to the Meal
#1. The Seasonings
Each table comes with three condiments meant to enhance the beef:
- Salted Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy acidity to cut through the richness of the beef.
- Green Chili Pepper: Provides a sharp, spicy kick.
- Pickled Ginger (or Red Ginger): Offers a refreshing, tangy crunch to cleanse the palate.
#2. Demi-glace sauce
The homemade demi-glace sauce is served in a mini cast-iron skillet to keep it warm. It’s savory and punchy, often infused with black pepper, and meant to be poured over the hamburg steak or mixed with rice.
#3. With egg or without egg
In Japan, Tamago Kake Gohan (TKG)—which means egg over rice—is a beloved staple known for its creamy, savory simplicity.
What it consists of:
- Hot Steamed Rice: Usually Japanese short-grain rice.
- Raw Egg: In Japan (and at high-end spots like Hamburg Yoshi), eggs are strictly regulated for safety and can be eaten raw.
- Soy Sauce: A drizzle of high-quality soy sauce (or a specialized “TKG sauce”) provides the salt and umami.
How it’s eaten:
- The simple way: Crack the whole egg into hot rice, add soy sauce, and stir until frothy.
- The “ultimate” way (recommended): Separate the yolk and white, whisk the white into the rice until airy and meringue-like, then place the yolk on top and fold it in for a richer, velvety texture.
What I Ordered
- 2 Wagyu patties
- Miso soup
- Pickles
- Raw egg
- Unlimited rice
The Verdict
The beef was excellent—buttery, juicy, and slightly sweet without being overpowering. I also tried a slice of my friend’s Beef Tongue Hamburg. It was less sweet and noticeably chewier. Both were delicious, but I personally preferred the Wagyu Hamburg.
Without the egg, I happily stuck to unlimited rice with soy sauce, the patty topped with demi-glace, and the condiments on the side for dipping.
Ang sarap at sobrang busog. After this, we went to our favorite dessert place, Bubu Bars.
